Kohler faucets are built with a collar assembly that holds the cartridge in place. This assembly places the cartridge valve close to the base of the faucet, and it affects where leaks appear on your faucet when the leaks occur. If your faucet is leaking from the hot water side when the cold water is on, there are good reasons why this happens.
Why a Faucet Leaks
Kohler faucets have one cartridge valve that controls all the water flowing into the faucet. This is the main valve and the only thing stopping the incoming water from bursting through the faucet. When and if the valve leaks, water will stream through the faucet and out one of the parts. Normally, in the Kohler faucet, this part is the handle base, because this has a small gap that allows water to escape.
Why Hot Water Leaks on the Cold Side
Since the cartridge valve controls both hot and cold water, turning the faucet on will cause a leak on either side. When water leaks it follows the course of least resistance out of the faucet. On the Kohler models, this could be through the hot water handle, or the cold. Water won't come out of just the cold side simply because the cold water comes on. The important thing to note is whether the leaking water is hot or cold.
Cold Faucet Leaks and Gaskets
The faucet might also leak when the cold water comes on due to a problem with a gasket on the cold water side. If water is flowing through the faucet and there is no seal to keep it from traveling down the base and out the hot water side, you will get leaks only when the water is on. A damaged cartridge also causes water to drip out of the faucet and down the handle. Inspecting the cartridge and the gaskets is the only way to determine what the problem is.
Fixing the Problem
To fix the problem you must replace the damaged gaskets or cartridge valve with new Kohler replacement parts. New gaskets designed for your specific model Kohler faucet are available from Kohler, as are new replacement cartridges. The fix is fairly straightforward and only requires some simple procedures. The handle is removed, and then the cartridge and the collar are removed from the faucet. A new collar and cartridge is set in its place, and then the faucet is rebuilt. Replace all the gaskets and cartridge to fix your leak.
Tags: kohler, faucet, leaks, through, water, cold, cold water, cartridge valve, Faucet Leaks, through faucet, water side, cartridge place, cold water comes, gaskets cartridge
